suture lab sim Many MS students get the opportunity to participate in an international learning experience. Each year, in March, students are offered the opportunity to participate in a medical trip to central or South America where are able to provide healthcare to the indigenous people of remote jungle locations. Students are able to build critical thinking by assessing and treating patients without the modern conveniences of laboratory access, x-ray, CT or ultrasound facilities, or commonly used medications. MS students also get to mentor the undergraduate BSN students during the experience. (“Nurse practitioner for a day”).

The Master of Science degree program with a major in nursing is designed to build upon the first professional degree. The student may select one of the four study options:

Family nurse practitioner (FNP): Focuses on primary care of individuals and families. Students receive a concentration of clinical experiences for each age group, culminating in a final practicum where students synthesize knowledge for application across the lifespan. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for national certification as Family Nurse Practitioners. The post-master's option is designed for master's-prepared nurses who want to obtain knowledge, skills, and certification as Advanced Practice Nurses or Family Nurse Practitioners to expand their options in a changing health care system.

Adult/Gerontological nurse practitioner (A/GNP): Focuses on primary care of adults and older adults, featuring courses in mental health and nursing informatics. Students receive a concentration of clinical experiences culminating in a final practicum where students synthesize knowledge for application to adults and older adults. With new National Task Force guidelines (effective 2015), graduates will be eligible for national certification as Adult Nurse Practitioners. Graduates will also be eligible to take the value added specialty certification as a Gerontology NP. In-depth coverage of gerontology enhances NP preparation and is critical to addressing the needs of well and frail elders. Employment opportunities are diverse, e.g. primary care, internal medicine and frail elders in a variety of settings.

Nursing administration: Designed to meet the needs of nurses in administration and management positions in a variety of health care settings. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills of leadership development, organizational development and change, social, political, ethical and economic issues, as well as budgetary considerations. The program was recently revised with input from key nursing administrators in the region.

Nursing education: Designed to prepare nurses as college teachers of nursing and for staff development and continuing education. The courses address curriculum development, current issues, and research in teaching and learning, including a variety of classroom and clinical teaching and learning styles. The educational technology course allows nurse educators to master technology in order to create an optimal learning environment. The education option is offered in conjunction with the NP clinical specialties or the administrative major.

The nurse practitioner options articulate with the baccalaureate program in the continued acquisition of advanced nursing knowledge and skills of the specialist. This specialization builds toward advanced nursing practice in selected clinical practice and role areas. Theory, research and role development are emphasized to enable the graduate to participate in the development of nursing knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

participate as a leader to influence health policy and improve healthcare delivery systems, and

contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.

The following requirements need to be met for an admission application to be considered:

Application for admission to the Graduate School (on-line).

Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.

Undergraduate Nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Official transcripts from all nursing programs (reflecting prerequisites)

Two letters of recommendation for graduate study – 1 from a nursing faculty from your undergraduate program and 1-2 from a health care professional who is familiar with your clinical skills (supervisor preferred).

Professional Resume

Licensure to practice nursing in the State of South Carolina and states in which student will be completing clinical hours.

Clinical Practice: minimum of 600+ hours of nursing practice within the previous 12 months of application.

TOEFL score (may be required by applicants for whom English is not their first language).